Wireless Endoscope with Variable Eyepiece Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems are expensive, complex, and cumbersome, limiting their mobility and practicality due to the need for bulky equipment, external cabling, and separate light sources, which complicates their use in emergency situations and resource-constrained areas.
Innovation Solution
A portable endoscopic inspection system featuring a wireless imaging unit with a detachable multispectral light source, variable coupling system for the imaging sensor, and wireless data transmission, allowing for flexible and efficient image capture and transmission without the need for extensive cabling or bulky displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endoscopic systems use external light sources connected via fiber-optic cables, then image quality can be maintained, but mobility and ease of operation are reduced due to bulky equipment and complex cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, imaging sensor, and processing units into a single integrated endoscope unit. The light source is positioned at the distal end of the endoscope, eliminating the need for external fiber-optic cables and separate light source units, thereby improving mobility while maintaining image quality through direct optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light source function from the external equipment and integrates it directly into the endoscope structure. The light source is mounted at the distal end, allowing the endoscope to function independently without external cabling, thus resolving the mobility issue while preserving optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopic systems use separate imaging units and displays, then image processing capability is maintained, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging sensor, image processing unit, and display into a single integrated endoscope system. The imaging sensor is optically coupled to the distal end, and the processing and display functions are incorporated in the proximal end, eliminating the need for separate imaging units and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is designed as a multi-functional unit that incorporates lighting, imaging, signal processing, and display capabilities within a single device. This universal design allows the endoscope to perform all necessary functions independently without requiring external equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and setup time.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional endoscopes use fixed coupling mechanisms for the eyepiece, then alignment precision is maintained, but adaptability to different eyepiece shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that can adapt to different eyepiece geometries. The coupling structure includes adjustable elements that allow it to accommodate various flange sizes and shapes while maintaining precise optical alignment, thereby achieving both adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into modular segments that can independently adjust to match different eyepiece dimensions. This segmentation allows the coupling structure to be flexible enough to accommodate various eyepiece designs while maintaining precise alignment through controlled adjustment of individual segments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a lightweight, mobile, and cost-effective solution for endoscopic imaging, enhancing mobility and reducing setup time while maintaining image quality and allowing for remote viewing and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor for recording images of the reflected light from the eyepiece
Implementation Method 2
an illumination pathway which optically couples the light port and the lens assembly to transport incident light to the region of interest
Implementation Method 3
an imaging pathway which optically couples the eyepiece and lens assembly for transporting the reflected light from the region of interest to the flanged eyepiece
Data Source
AI summary
A portable endoscopic inspection system comprises an endoscope having a proximal end with a flanged eyepiece for observation and a distal end with a lens assembly for insertion into a region of interest. A light port transports incident light to the region of interest along an lighting pathway, and reflected light is transported along an imaging pathway from the lens assembly to the eyepiece. A wireless imaging unit comprises a light source which detachably couples to the light port for generating the incident light, and an imaging sensor for recording images of the reflected light from the eyepiece. The wireless imaging unit comprises a variable coupling system which mechanically couples the imaging sensor to the flanged eyepiece independent of the shape and/or size of the flange of the eyepiece.